Williams leads mileage, Norris tops times on first day of 2026 F1 pre-season testing

The 2026 Formula 1 season kicked off with pre-season testing in Bahrain, where Williams emerged as the surprising mileage leader while Lando Norris set the fastest lap time. The day was marked by significant running for most teams, though reliability issues and red flags provided an early glimpse of the challenges ahead.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing offers the first real-world data on the competitive order and reliability of new cars. High mileage indicates a team's ability to run its program smoothly and gather crucial data, while lap times—though heavily influenced by fuel loads and run plans—provide an initial performance benchmark. Williams' strong start in mileage is a positive signal for the historic team, while the scattered red flags for Alpine and Audi highlight the teething problems inherent in new regulations.

By the numbers:

• Team Mileage: Williams completed a commanding 145 laps (785 km), the most of any team. Red Bull (136 laps) and Ferrari (132 laps) followed closely, showing strong early reliability from the expected front-runners.
• Engine Manufacturer: Mercedes-powered teams (Williams, McLaren, Mercedes, Alpine) collectively covered the most ground with 420 laps. Ferrari-powered units (Ferrari, Haas, Cadillac) logged 354 laps.
• Lap Times: McLaren's Lando Norris set the benchmark at 1:34.669s on the C2 tire compound. World Champion Max Verstappen was close behind, just 0.129 seconds slower on the softer C3 tire. Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three for Ferrari.
• Lowest Mileage: Aston Martin had a troubled day, managing only 36 laps with Lance Stroll, the least of any team.
• Red Flags: Two were caused by on-track stoppages: Alpine's Franco Colapinto in the morning and Audi's Nico Hulkenberg in the afternoon.

The big picture:

The first day often prioritizes system checks and data collection over outright performance, making mileage a critical metric. Williams' ability to run trouble-free for nearly 150 laps is a significant morale booster and data advantage. Conversely, Mercedes' relatively low total of 86 laps split between George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli suggests the team may have encountered undisclosed issues or a focused, non-lapping program. The lap times confirm McLaren and Red Bull's winter development appears strong, but the true performance picture will only become clearer as teams begin qualifying simulations later in the test.

What's next:

Teams will analyze tonight's data and continue their programs over the next two days, with a focus on long-run pace and tire degradation.

• Reliability Focus: Alpine and Audi will be desperate to solve their reliability gremlins to maximize track time.
• Performance Runs: Expect more representative lap times as teams shift to lower fuel and softer tire compounds.
• Driver Acclimatization: All eyes will be on high-profile driver moves, including Lewis Hamilton's continued adaptation at Ferrari and Esteban Ocon's first proper runs with Haas.